Dolphins left tackle Jake Long sits out practice

Knee issue has plagued him since preseason finale at Dallas

DAVIE – Pro Bowl left tackle Jake Long, who has been battling a left knee issue off and on for the past five weeks, sat out the first practice of the Dolphins' bye week on Wednesday.

NFL rules don't mandate an injury report from teams without upcoming games, and Dolphins coach Tony Sparano just shook his head when asked for a clarification on Long's status.

Long, the Dolphins' highest-paid player, was spotted going into the X-ray room at Sun Life Stadium after Monday's 41-14 loss to the Patriots. He was not present during the portion of practice open to the media.

Second-year tackle Lydon Murtha took Long's place with the first unit and expressed confidence in his ability to hold down the fort if needed.

"The coaches do a great job of getting me ready," Murtha said. "I work my tail off. I need to get better every day, but I'm fully confident I can contribute if I'm called upon."

Murtha also expressed remorse for his missed block that led to a touchdown return on Dan Carpenter's blocked field-goal attempt.

"It's fully on my shoulders," said Murtha, who played the wing position for the first time in a game. "I don't put blame on anybody else but myself. I take full [responsibility] for it. "

MCDANIEL RETURNS

Reserve defensive lineman Tony McDaniel returned from his one-week league ban with renewed energy and appreciation for his job.

McDaniel, disciplined for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy in connection with a February domestic dispute, used his time away from the facility to work out, watch game film and spend time with his sons.

"It felt like two months," McDaniel said. "I felt guilty my teammates were working and I wasn't."

McDaniel lost his appeal of the suspension, which he felt was too severe considering the original charge was pleaded down to disorderly conduct.

"I did my research, and normally when a guy is a first-time offender he doesn't get suspended," McDaniel said. "He gets fined. That's what I thought would happen."

SO LONG, RANDY

Before griping his way into a trade back to Minnesota, former Patriots receiver Randy Moss did some talking to young Vontae Davis on Monday night.

Even as he was being held without a reception for the first time since 2006, the year before he joined the Patriots, Moss kept needling Davis, who covered him most of the night.

"Every quarter that went by, Randy Moss kept saying, 'You got three more quarters. You got two more quarters,' " Davis said.

The young cornerback's reply?

"What a difference a year makes, Randy."

JERRY SITS

Rookie right guard John Jerry, who has missed the last two games with an undisclosed illness, stood nearby during drills and took "mental reps."

Jerry, who iced his right shoulder after practice, said he had maintained his playing weight and was dealing with his absence the best he could.

"It's not frustrating; it's part of the game," he said. "Everybody's going to have bumps and bruises. Whenever they let me go, I'll be ready."

Sparano said whenever Jerry does return, "There's going to be clearly a catching-up process, no question about it, because he's a young player."

Career reserve Pat McQuistan has started the past two games in Jerry's place.

ALSO OUT

Defensive ends Jared Odrick (fibula) and Lionel Dotson were limited to conditioning drills. Dotson, who made two tackles on Monday night, was waived/injured later Wednesday. …

Inside linebacker Channing Crowder (groin) again worked in what appeared to be a limited capacity, sitting out coverage drills. …

Former Hampton and Penn State defensive tackle Chris Baker, released by the Broncos at the end of training camp, was signed to the practice squad, a source said.